to decide or say officially that something is impossible or will not happen, or that something or someone is not suitable: The police haven't yet ruled out murder.
unable to leave somewhere because of a problem such as not having any transport or money: He left me stranded in town with no car and no money for a bus.
to gradually slow down and stop all movement or activity, or to make something do this: If traffic increases beyond a certain level, the city grinds to a halt.
